The effect of physical activity and mental health on chewing discomfort in the age group 40 to 64: using the 2022 Community Health Survey Data

Purpose: This study analyzed raw data from the 2022 Korean Community Health Survey (KCHS) to explore the relationship between physical activities and the mental health of middle-aged individuals, and examined factors influencing chewing discomfort.Materials and Methods: Data pertaining to 104,500 middle-aged people aged between 40 and 64 were analyzed.The variables analyzed included general characteristics, perceived level of health, level of oral health, physical activities, mental health (PHQ-9), and status of chewing discomfort.Cross-analysis was conducted to explore the differences in general characteristics, physical activities, mental health factors, and chewing discomfort status.Meanwhile, logistic regression analysis was performed on factors influencing chewing discomfort.Results: It was observed that chewing discomfort was more severe for middle-aged individuals who reported that their oral health level was neither good nor poor compared with those who reported that their oral health was good (OR: 8.443, P < 0.001), those who reported that their perceived level of health was poor (OR: 49.173, P < 0.001), those who reported not performing the walking exercise (OR: 1.354, P < 0.001), those who reported that they had suicidal ideation compared with those who did not (OR: 2.543, P < 0.001), those who reported that they had made a suicidal attempt compared with those who had not (OR: 4.456, P < 0.001), and those who reported that their level of depression was severe or more serious (OR: 4.624, P < 0.001).Conclusion: In middleaged individuals, physical activities and mental health needs to be considered as a risk factor in the improvement of oral health.(